No ifs, no buts: These are the saddest Gilmore Girls episodes of all time

Gilmore Girls is certifiably the cosiest show on Netflix. Autumn leaves, Where You Lead on full blast, scarves, pumpkin patches— it’s got all the key signifiers of a wholesome post-summer wind down. But now and again, off guard, this show can be properly, truly, heartbreaking. Like, sobbing into your takeaway levels of pain.

So, right before the clocks change and we’re all plunged into the most depressing light-starved section of the year, just in case you’re in the mood for a big cry and some catharsis, here are the top five saddest Gilmore Girls episodes of all time. Sometimes it’s just nice to feel something x

5. Emily Says Hello – Season five, episode nine (S5, E9)

In Emily Says Hello, her and Richard are separated, which starts off looking sort of liberating. But then she’s going on a first date for the first time in about 40 years and finds it almost impossible to connect with the guy in front of her. She goes home, back to the house that is glaringly absent of her husband, sits down, and cries. And, honestly, that was enough to break me. Emily is usually so strong and sharp, seeing her lonely and confused was a lot. Hands down the most under appreciated member of the Gilmore family.

4. They Shoot Gilmores, Don’t They? – Season three, episode seven

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It’s no secret that Rory is actually one of the most annoying characters in the Gilmore Girls universe. But it’s hard not to feel sorry for her in They Shoot Gilmores, Don’t They? when Dean gets jealous of her connection with Jess at the Stars Hollow danceathon and breaks up with her in front of the whole town. Savage.

3. Say Something – Season five, episode 14

As if Emily and Richard’s vowel renewal wasn’t emotional enough, in the next episode Luke tells Lorelai it isn’t going to work between them because he doesn’t fit in with her family and, obv, she cries herself to sleep. Plus, there’s added frustration because it’s basically all Rory’s dad Chris’ fault for telling Luke him and Lorelai are the ones that are meant to be together. Meddling.

2. The Incredible Sinking Lorelais – Season four, episode 14

If there’s one thing we’re going to do as women, it’s have matching meltdowns. And it was so sad to see Rory and Lorelai break down at once, with absolutely no idea the other one was going through it. Rory couldn’t keep up with her workload and broke down in Dean’s arms. Lorelai had to ask Luke for $30,000 and broke down in his arms. Tears all over the place. Including, for everyone watching.

1. Forgiveness And Stuff – Season one, episode ten

Lorelai is pissed at Rory for sleeping over at Dean’s house. But when Richard is rushed to hospital after collapsing from a heart attack, they realise what’s actually important. The thing which makes this episode the most emotional of any Gilmore Girls series, though is Emily’s speech to him in the hospital bed: “I did not sign on to your dying. And it is not going to happen. Not tonight, not for a very long time,” she says. “In fact, I demand to go first. Do I make myself clear?” to which Richard replies: “Yes, Emily. You may go first.” Sob.

Related stories recommended by this writer:

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• Every single reason Rory is legitimately the worst character on Gilmore Girls